UAE celebrates its nuclear professionals
.jpg)
The professional day is the idea of the country's nuclear regulator, the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), and aims to raise awareness and share knowledge about the UAE's achievements and major progress in the development of the nuclear and radiation sectors. It also seeks to celebrate the work and efforts of the professionals behind the UAE nuclear energy programme, which has been hailed as a a role model for nuclear newcomer countries.
The date of 16 February was chosen as it marks the day in 2020 on which FANR issued the licence to operate unit 1 of the the Barakah nuclear power plant, the first nuclear reactor built and operated in the region.
The annual celebration "will shed light on the success stories, the achievements and tireless efforts made by the workers in both the nuclear and radiation sectors in the UAE," Hamad Ali Al Kaabi, the permanent representative of the UAE to the International Atomic Energy Agency and the deputy chairman of FANR's Board of Management, said as he launched the Professional Day.
"In 2008, the UAE introduced its peaceful nuclear programme, which it has been developing over the years. The UAE's success has been possible thanks to the human capital - the most valuable capital - that has been the cornerstone of this programme. This includes the professionals, workers in the nuclear as well as in the radiation sector, Emiratis and expatriates, working in the public and private sectors, in industry, healthcare, and others," he said.
Two Korean-designed APR-1400 units are now in commercial operation at Barakah, making the plant the largest single source of clean electricity in the region. Unit 3 was connected to the UAE's electricity grid last October and unit 4 is in the final stages of construction.
